Ida B. Wells, a civil rights activist, educator and journalist who was one of the NAACP’s original founders, will have her likeness turned into a signature Barbie doll this year to inspire others through her story of perseverance and strength, YouLoveIt.com reports.
Barbie debuted its “Inspiring Women Series” in 2018, highlighting historical female role models who paved the way for young girls while also representing women of various complexions, shapes and occupations.
The toymaker, Mattel, decided to launch the series after conducting a survey of 8,000 mothers around the globe, CNN reported. It found that 86 percent are worried about the kind of role models their daughters are exposed to.
“Girls have always been able to play out different roles and careers with Barbie and we are thrilled to shine a light on real life role models to remind them that they can be anything,” Lisa McKnight, senior vice president and general manager of Barbie, said in a news release, according to CNN.
Mattel has honored Katherine Johnson, Rosa Parks, Ella Fitzgerald, Ibtihaj Muhammad, Gabby Douglas and tennis star Naomi Osaka among others.
The Ida B. Wells Barbie doll is set to be released next week on Jan. 17.
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